Nathan Sawaya had followed a fairly traditional life path until the plastic bricks he loved as a child enticed him to leave his career as a lawyer and become an artist. The Art of the Brick: A Life in Lego is Sawaya's memoir of this transition, accompanied by rich photographs of some his more famous creations. He has sculpted well-known people (Conan O'Brien), iconic images (Mt. Rushmore, the flag raising at Iwo Jima), and deeply personal faces and buildings that marked pivotal moments for him.
For those unable to visit one of Sawaya's extraordinary exhibits, The Art of the Brick is the next best thing, showcasing the tiny details and vivid colors of his sculptures. Hundreds of photos of Sawaya at work and of his art in partial and final stages bring his anecdotes to life. A fun conversation-starter and ideal for anyone into art or Legos, this is a dazzling full-color showcase of an unusual art form. --Jessica Howard, blogger at Quirky Bookworm